Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 17) — A bill seeking to penalize government officials found to be involved in large-scale smuggling of agricultural products has been filed at the Senate.
Senate Bill No. 2205, filed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, will amend Republic Act No. 10845 — also known as the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act — which only penalizes those who smuggled, hoarded, profiteered, or cartelled agricultural products.
Since its passage in 2016, Hontiveros said there has been no prosecution of individuals, groups, or corporations — including government officials who supposedly facilitated the smuggling.
She cited the approval of the importation of 440,000 metric tons of sugar last February even before a sugar order became effective.
READ: Hontiveros claims possible ‘government-sponsored smuggling’ in sugar importation
“It is time to hold to account government officials who allow smuggling to persist unfettered,” the bill’s explanatory note read.
Under the measure, government officials who granted any license, export declaration, or clearance or permit — knowing that the act is considered unlawful — will also be charged with economic sabotage.
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Violators will face life imprisonment and a fine of twice the fair value of the smuggled agricultural product — including the taxes, duties, and other charges avoided, plus interest at the legal rate.
